The do’s and dont’s of supporting your child’s move to Res

Sending your child off to pursue their academic dreams and live on campus is a huge milestone — for them and for you! It’s an exciting, nerve-wracking, and slightly surreal experience watching them step into independence. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this! To give you the inside scoop on what helps (and what doesn’t), we sat down with Rebecca, a current resident at Burwood, to chat about her experience and how parents can best support their kids during this big transition. 
 

Q: What’s one thing your parents did (or could have done) that really helped you feel prepared for moving to Res? 

Rebecca: One thing my parents did that really helped was ensuring I had everything I needed to live independently. They helped me get essentials like cutlery, dinnerware, pans, cleaning supplies, and linen. Having these things from the start made settling into my new space much easier and more comfortable.  

Q: Every student is different, but what are some small yet meaningful ways parents can support from afar without being too overbearing? 

Rebecca: My parents always made sure I knew they were just a phone call away. My mum checked in with me daily, which really helped me adjust in those first few months. They also shared my excitement for new experiences and supported me in everything I got up to in a new city—though, of course, they always reminded me to be safe! 

My parents were really supportive of all the new opportunities that came with university life. They loved that I was living in a place like Deakin Res because of the security and 24/7 support, which reassured them that I was safe.

Rebecca

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when settling into Res, and how could parents help ease that transition? 

Rebecca: Living in a new environment and being away from my parents was the hardest part, especially in the first few months. I had to start over, meet new people, and figure out a lot of things on my own. I took so many things my parents did for granted, like cooking, managing responsibilities, and balancing studies with household tasks. To help, my parents sent me back with frozen meals, and I may have taken my laundry home once or twice—haha! 

Q: How can parents strike a balance between encouraging independence and still being a safety net when needed? 

Rebecca: My parents were really supportive of all the new opportunities that came with university life. They loved that I was living in a place like Deakin Res because of the security and 24/7 support, which reassured them that I was safe. They trusted me to handle responsibilities but still helped when needed, like covering some grocery costs. Most importantly, they always made it clear that they were only a phone call away. 
 

Q: What’s your top advice for parents about staying in touch without overwhelming their child? 

Rebecca: My advice is to give your child space to figure things out while making sure they know you’re there for them. Let them enjoy their new experiences, but be available when they need guidance. Also, don’t stress if they don’t respond to texts right away—university life is busy! 

Q: What are three DO’s and three DON’T’s for parents supporting their child’s transition to Res? 

Rebecca: DO: 

1. Stay connected and always be one phone call away. 

2. Trust us as we navigate this next phase of our lives! 

3. Gift us heaps of food and snacks—it’s the best surprise! 

DON’T: 

1. Don’t worry too much—Res is a safe and supportive environment. 

2. Don’t solve every problem for us—let us develop independence and responsibility. 

3. Don’t stress if we don’t reply right away—we’re just adjusting and busy! 

Watching your child move to Res can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but trust us—they’ve got this, and so do you! With the right balance of support, trust, and the occasional care package (filled with snacks, of course), they’ll thrive in their new environment. So, take a deep breath, be their biggest cheerleader, and when in doubt—send food!